The Swellesley Report

More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Summer Camp Spotlight: Creative Writing Workshop at Wellesley College Club

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SPONSORED POST: It’s time for your child to find out how fun writing can be at Creative Writing Workshop‘s summer program on the campus of beautiful Wellesley College. Our last session runs August 5 – 8, 8:45am – 11:45am. Spaces are currently available, so register now for this unique program open to writers of all ability levels — boys and girls — ages 8 through 12.

Creative Writing Workshop, Wellesley
Student collaboration session at Creative Writing Workshop.

This special writing workshop blends creativity and fun with the written word. Students will be “all in” on the writing process, often with multiple works-in-progress going such as short stories, personal narratives, poetry, journals, and graphic stories. The writers will hone important skills and gain confidence in their abilities, all while having fun with the process. All curriculum materials are included in tuition.

To spark imaginations, kids do activities both indoors and outdoors. By infusing joy in the creative writing process, students become more independent  and confident  in their writing ability and will find how fun writing can be. Students receive individual attention and will benefit from the creative ideas shared by all. The group is limited in size to ensure a low teacher:student ratio.

Creative Writing Workshop, Wellesley
Students review writing in our outdoor space on the patio of the Wellesley College Club.

The Wellesley College Club at 727 Washington Street is our air conditioned indoor space. Most of our inspiration will come from the lush landscape, outdoor sculpture and art, and exposure to the dynamic culture of Wellesley  College.

Please ask about the “Bring a Friend” discount. Spaces are currently available.

Register here.

For more information, contact:  [email protected]

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Babson College and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to part ways

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Babson CollegeIt seems like only yesterday that Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) came to Babson College in a partnership designed to sync up the arts with the entrepreneurship education programs at the 4-year private business school. As the college’s resident theater company since 2013, the nonprofit CSC devoted significant resources to Babson’s arts and academic programs. The idea was bolster the College’s efforts to enhance the natural synergies between entrepreneurship and the arts. Steven Maler served as director of Babson’s Sorenson Center for the Arts. The start of the partnership coincided with the naming of new Babson President Kerry Healey in 2013, who at the time had been on CSC’s board for five years. The end of the partnership coincides with Healey’s recent departure from Babson.

The two groups reassessed their partnership from time to time. Back in 2016 Babson and CSC extended their work relationship for three more years, and CSC continued to serve as the school’s resident theater company. Which takes us to 2019, and the recent announcement according to the Boston Globe that as of January 2020, Babson will no longer have CSC around to ensure that the arts and business continue to co-mingle and benefit from one another there. Babson will, however, put up big sponsorship bucks for one more summer of free Shakespeare on the Boston Commons. Mark your calendars for The Tempest, summer 2020.

On a personal note

We’ve greatly appreciated CSC’s cultural additions to Wellesley, and have had the good fortune to attend many performances over the years. Our favorites: Birdy and the athleticism of lead actor Spencer Hamp and the steampunk stage sets; when the 5-time Grammy award-winning jazz collective Maria Schneider Orchestra played to a sold-out house of knowledgeable and appreciative audience members; the tragic history lesson of Our American Hamlet; the time actor Seth Gilliam, who played Father Gabriel on Walking Dead, was in the house; and the magical and contemporary Romeo & Juliet on the Boston Commons.

Thanks for bringing amazing theater and music to Wellesley, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. “If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; If not, why then, this parting was well made.” — Julius Caesar.

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Wellesley’s best walk — the Wellesley College Lake Waban loop

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The clock has struck mid-afternoon, and I’ve been at my laptop all day, pounding out posts for my sweet gig as co-editor of The Swellesley Report. My day has been busy, as usual, and I’d like to keep the momentum going. To do that, I must stay the pendulum’s swing. It may sound counterintuitive, but to keep going at work, I have to take a break from work. If I don’t rise and venture out, away from screens and the whole texting scene, late-day sluggishness will result. Time to hit refresh. I’m going to Lake Waban.

Lake Waban, Wellesley, Summer 2016
Kayakers enjoy the calm waters of Lake Waban. The topiary garden is in the distance. Swellesley file photo.

The 2.5 mile loop around the 40-feet deep lake is a year-round joy. The spot is beloved by runners, walkers, dog owners, photographers, catch-and-release fishers, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy a quiet path shaded by a canopy of mature trees. Bikes are not allowed. For the uninitiated, the woodland spot can be a little tricky to find. A good parking spot is the lot across from the Wellesley College Club, located at 727 Washington Street, on Route 16. Cross the street at either of two well-marked crosswalks. You can then access the path to the left of the College Club.

Boardwalk, Lake Waban, Wellesley
Boardwalk through the marsh at Lake Waban. File photo.

The entire lake is surrounded by private property, some owned by Wellesley College, some by the Hunnewell family. On the lake path, it’s important to remember that we are all guests of either the college or the Hunnewells. Visitors and their dogs are welcome as long as they keep to the paths, and their dogs are kept leashed. It’s a sweet privilege, so don’t let the “no trespassing” signs get you into a huff. They’re a reminder not to stray onto the properties of the several huge homes that ring the lake, perched on slight rises to take advantage of the view. Also, no jumping into the lake off the recently repaired balustrade, as I’ve lately seen high-spirited youths doing. Swimming is not allowed in Lake Waban. The lake was heavily polluted with lead chromate and other chemicals by the former Henry Wood’s Sons Paint Factory, which was in operation between 1848 and the early 1920s. The factory stood by the current college athletic track, and according to a study conducted by Wellesley College, the factory “regularly discharged pigment waste onto ground surface, into unlined on-site lagoons, and into adjoining water bodies known as Waban Brook and Lake Waban.”

Wellesley College, Galen Tower, Summer 2016
Galen Tower, on the campus of Wellesley College. Swellesley file photo.

In the 1990s, Wellesley College embarked on a major environmental clean-up of the area that included wetlands restoration and improvement of water quality. Although the lake is now considered clean enough for swimming, it still is not allowed. Old-timers recall a public beach area adjacent to the campus boathouse, but that’s a part of the past. I’ve heard the fishing is good in the lake, but just don’t eat your catch.

What you can enjoy are views of the lake against the backdrop of the beautiful architecture of Wellesley College, the topiary garden, the boardwalk through the marsh area, and the swans’ shenanigans as they boss around the Canada geese. The path itself is flat and easy, narrow in spots, with occasional tripping hazards such as roots and stones. The average walker will have little trouble with this easy, level loop, but those with mobility challenges might find it difficult going. Overall, the trail feels just long enough to be considered real exercise.

Lake Waban, stick house, Wellesley
You might come across surprises on the Lake Waban path. Here is one of two stick structures that recently appeared in the woods.

My favorite view: that from Pond Street looking across the lake to Galen Tower. As a child I read a lot of Grimm’s fairy tales, so I always suspect  a princess is locked away up there. Then I remind myself that this is Wellesley College. Even if a princess somehow found herself banished to Galen Tower, the College “sibs” (as they collectively refer to one another) would quickly take care of business. First they’d spring the princess. Then they’d educate her. Finally, they’d send her out into the world to make trouble rather than being the victim of trouble.

For a humble townsperson living life far beneath the Tower, the Lake Waban trail has the ability to remove all troubles. That walk can open my mind to contemplative focus, something akin to a Psalm 23-style religious experience. It restoreth my soul. On especially good days, the loop  leadeth me in the path of righteousness. Refreshed, I can get back to work. With perspective, I suddenly know which tasks to double down on, and which to let go.

Thanks for the clarity, Lake Waban. I toss a stone into your waters, and come away with energy. I look across your blue fields, and float through the rest of my day.

MORE:

Will Wellesley College ban dogs on Lake Waban Path? Unlikely, but….

Another nice loop: Gates Pond in Berlin, Massachusetts

Can’t make it to a lake? Try a labyrinth walk

 

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Wellesley High School grad drives off with $2,500 in scholarship funds

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Wellesley High School Class of 2019 graduate Rachel Ip received a very nice college scholarship from Wellesley Toyota as part of a partnership with the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation (WSF). Although the $2,500 award doesn’t include a new set of wheels, it will go a good distance in defraying the rising freshman’s tuition costs at Babson College. WSF selects recipients for the Wellesley Toyota scholarship who have demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership skills in the community, in school or on the athletic field. Best of luck at Babson, Rachel.

Wellesley Toyota scholarship
Pictured from left: dealership ownership representative Jessica Ko; Rachel Ip; Wellesley Scholarship Foundation president Beverly Donovan; and Wellesley Toyota general sales manager Shaun Fisher.

The Wellesley Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to college-bound Wellesley students through need- and merit-based scholarships.

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Wellesley schools Director of Diversity: the search continues

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Wellesley Public Schools officesThe Wellesley Public Schools has re-opened its search for a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In May 2019, the field had been narrowed to three finalists, but none of those candidates has been hired for the position. Funding for the new job was approved by Town Meeting in March, and Superintendent Dr. David Lussier informed the Wellesley School Committee that he hoped to appoint a director by the end of the recently completed school year.

According to the job listing for the Director of Diversity, some of the responsibilities will include formulating a strategic plan to support district diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; deepen community awareness, understanding, and respect for diversity, equity and inclusion; oversee the METCO program; and work collaboratively with the A Better Chance program. You can see the complete listing here (and please let WPS know that you heard about it on Swellesley if you apply).

The initial search yielded three candidates:

  • Dr. Roland Davis, a consultant with college and high school administrative experience. He served at Harvard as Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, but stepped down after one year for personal reasons, according to the Harvard Crimson.
  • Kimberlee Henry, an administrator whose most recently listed job on her resume was that of school principal in Oxford, Massachusetts. According to Worcester news source telegram.com, Henry was in October 2018 put on paid leave from that position.
  • Wellesley High School Social Studies teacher Jackie Katz, who was one of the speakers at May’s WHS graduation ceremonies.

You can see their cover letters and resumes here.

Davis in an email said, “I was offered the position with WPS but declined it because I was also offered a position with an educational non-profit in the area and elected to accept this position instead.”

Katz in an email said that she was not offered the position.

It is unknown at this time whether Katz or Henry was offered the job.

Superintendent Lussier said in an email, “Our search is still ongoing for a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” He had nothing further to add regarding whether the job had been offered to any of the candidates.

The Wellesley community had opportunities to meet and comment on each of the candidates during afternoon and evening meetings in late May.

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